Corey Seager has to undergo sports hernia surgery

Corey Seager will undergo season-ending sports hernia surgery tomorrow, Rangers GM Chris Young told reporters (link via Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News). The five-time All-Star was placed on the 10-day injured list last week as the team initially announced hip discomfort. Texas could place him on the 60-day IL in a procedural move to Jacob deGrom morning.

This is Seager's second sports hernia surgery of the year. He underwent the same procedure in January, but with one important difference. Seager's previous hernia was in his left groin; Grant writes that tomorrow's procedure will be on the right side. The injury is not expected to affect the shortstop's readiness for spring training.

Seager suffered his most recent hernia injury during last year's postseason. He attempted to rehab without surgery, but underwent surgery a few months later when the initial treatment plan was unsuccessful. That set him back during spring training but didn't require a stint on the injured list to start the season. He's hoping for a similarly quick recovery this time around so his offseason isn't too impacted.

It's a bitter end to another excellent season for Seager. He hit 30 home runs with a .278/.353/.512 batting line in 533 at-bats. He started the year slowly, likely in part because of his limited power surge after January surgery. He's been one of the league's best hitters since early May, hitting .290/.362/.569 with 28 of his home runs. Seager has been one of the top 10 qualified hitters by wRC+ since May 1.

Although it was a step down from last year's MVP runner-up, Seager's first few seasons in Arlington couldn't have gone much better. He was an All-Star in all three years as a Ranger. He hit 30 home runs in each year. Texas disappointed this season, but Seager was obviously the best player on last year's World Series winner. He will make $32 million next season before starting a $31 million annual salary in the final six years of his $325 million free agent contract.

Josh Smith has taken over the role of primary shortstop in Seager's absence. He will likely get most of his playing time there in the final few weeks of the season. Smith was a rare bright spot in the Rangers' lineup at the beginning of the year, filling in at third base when Josh Young was out and was arguably the team's second-best player behind Seager. Smith's performance dropped off sharply in the second half, though he still boasts an impressive slash line of .265/.350/.407 in 134 games overall.